Study title

This annual survey charted Finnish public opinion on foreign and defence policy, security, and military alliances. The respondents were asked how well Finland had managed its foreign policy and defence policy, and should Finland take up arms to defend itself if it were attacked. Opinions on defence forces funding were surveyed. One theme pertained to what kind of impact certain factors have on the security of the Finns and Finland (e.g. EU or NATO membership of certain countries, Finland's potential NATO membership, USA's, Russia's or the EU's fight against terrorism, Finland's neutrality). Views were probed on whether the EU has the right to carry out a military intervention in an EU member state or a non-member state, and on what grounds (e.g. for humanitarian help or to prevent genocide). Further questions covered opinions on Finland's participation in the European Rapid Reaction Force, Finland's defence system (universal conscription or professional army), and what kind of military tasks the country's armed forces should undertake. Attitudes towards NATO were studied with questions pertaining to Finland's participation in NATO-led crisis management operations, and making armoury and command structure compatible with the NATO standards. The respondents were asked whether Finland should join NATO, and should Finland enter a military alliance or remain non-aligned. One topic covered how concerned the respondents were about the future because of certain issues (e.g. use of nuclear power in Finland, Israel-Palestinian conflict, situation in Iraq, international terrorism, nuclear weapons.) Questions also explored what would be the best option if Finland decided to enter a military alliance or the EU developed a common defence. Opinions were charted on Finland's decision to send peacekeepers to join UN forces in southern Lebanon, and what should the role of UN peacekeepers be there. Background variables included the respondent's gender, age, economic activity and...